I must admit: I haven’t always enjoyed the annual Chrism Mass for rostered ministers and Synod Authorized Ministers. (Chrism comes from the Greek,  anointing.) This event invites ministers to renew their ordination or consecration vows. The service, however, has at times seemed competitive to me. Leaders clustering in their own friendship groups and belting out the hymns (in 4-part harmony, of course) can feel more like performance than worship.

Once retired, I sensed a deeper disconnect with this service. Surrounded by active pastors, I felt like an imposter—active, but not in the usual ways. In those early days of retirement, the sting of separation hurt.

But this year, now more comfortable claiming the retired pastor title, I gave the Chrism Mass another try. I’m glad I did. This year, I enjoyed the quiet moments in the service, received the singing as more of a treat than a competition, and intentionally sat not with long-time buddies, but instead with two new friends, one of whom I had just met. It was a time of belonging: being seen and heard by the bishop and staff, refreshed in a recommitment of pastoral vows, and gifted with a vial of holy oil to use in my own ministry.

And this go-round, Bishop Emily Hartner’s message, based on Isaiah 58:1-12, touched me deeply. As she quoted the words of the prophet, who spoke for God, I heard God’s people being called to undo the straps of oppression and break the invisible yoke which, in their own time, blinded them from seeing all—rich or poor, oppressed or free—as their own kin.

In retirement, that same call affirmed my longing to broaden the invisible yoke I wear and embrace the freedom of new visions. It now points me toward coaching to build up rostered ministers, writing for ELCA publications that encourage spiritual growth, serving on our Synod Council, and supporting the congregational ministry of others. In all these roles, I feel called, deeply called.

This year’s Chrism Mass offered me a surprising gift—reminding me that God’s call to ministry is indeed a call for life. And with that gift came a beautiful invitation to keep growing. Through the Chrism Mass and other NC Synod-sponsored events, rostered and lay ministers can experience this same invitation to grow and be refueled with the joy of ministry. Such renewal feels right and honorable. For its power in my life, I give thanks.

The NC Synod Bishop and Assistants to the Bishop have offered Chrism Mass opportunities to rostered ministers (and, more recently, Synod Authorized Ministers—SAMs) for several years as an opportunity to renew both spirit and call. Held in Goldsboro, Chapel Hill, Concord, and Morganton this year, ministry leaders were able to connect at a nearby location to pause and be refreshed in Christ’s call to ministry. Your Mission Support giving allows synod staff to offer spiritual care and the possibility for holy surprise. Thanks be to God for all that your generosity allows!